You have to love players that believe in that one simple word: improvement. David Beckham, for all of the honors he has accomplished in his long storied career, is a player that continues to improve his game, even at the age of 37.

On Sunday, against D.C. United at the Home Depot Center, the LA Galaxy midfielder—the man that changed the face of MLS indelibly in more ways that one—put on a much more solid performance and could have earned more en route to a 3-1 victory.

Beckham had two chances to get on the score sheet: one on the run of play, and the other off the set piece. The first just sailed over the crossbar while the second missed the top left corner by a foot or less. Never mind that the Galaxy had six corners compared to D.C.'s three.

Most importantly, Beckham is a provider, and he recorded his second assist in as many games by helping Marcelo Sarvas open his MLS scoring account in the 86th minute.

Beckham's stamina and excellent play have been a hallmark of his game for many years, and the 18,000-plus that were in attendance saw firsthand why he gets all the honors he receives.

At the same time, Beckham is unselfish, and believes that the team improved the same way he did.

“I think we played more as a team, we worked hard for each other and I think we put away the chances we had," Beckham told reporters. "As simple as that. Today is a good day. We can still play better, but it was important we get our first win.”

So with a two-week break before the next match, look for No. 23 to further retool his bending shot back at the training grounds so that he can find somebody off that set piece slot machine.